Rain ceases, but Vaigai in spate

MADURAI: Though the rain ceased in Madurai and the southern districts on Friday and it was a comparatively sunny day, the river Vaigai was flooded with over 11,000 cusecs being discharged into it following increased inflow of 4,522 cusecs.
The Vaigai dam’s level touched the 69.42 feet mark against its maximum level of 71 feet. Hence, 3,834 cusecs was discharged into the river adding to the existing flow which saw the churning flood waters entering Madurai city in the afternoon.
In the morning, Madurai MP Su Venkatesan asked people living near the banks of the river to move to safer places saying that the water passing through Peranai was 10,000 cusecs and was expected to increase to 11,000 cusecs. The causeway at Yannaikkal was flooded and water flowed over it with force. People started gathering near the causeway as soon as they saw the river in spate which prompted the authorities to erect barricades to keep them from crossing over. The river which usually flows on a small stretch touched both its banks due to the sudden flood situation. Police and revenue officials cautioned people against attempting to enter the river for taking photographs.